Jones sidelined by shingles

Manchester United defender Phil Jones is in doubt for upcoming matches against Everton and Real Madrid after being sidelined with shingles.

England Under-21 boss Stuart Pearce has confirmed the former Blackburn Rovers man misses their match against Sweden on Tuesday because of the virus.

Pearce told reporters: “Jones picked up shingles and there’s not a lot we can do about it.

“It’s a shame because it makes us stronger when Phil’s here, that’s for sure. But it gives someone else a chance.”

Jones did not feature in United’s 1-0 win over Fulham in the English Premier League on Saturday after impressing in recent weeks.

The symptoms tend to last for at least two weeks, which would mean he would potentially be forced to miss his side’s home match against Everton on Sunday as well as their Champions League last-16 first-leg tie against Real Madrid on February 13.